Experts tell us their biggest concerns and why it’s high time people seek help before it’s too late
Yesterday was World Health Day. We’ve made great technological and medical advancements, and life expectancy has gone up thanks to the former. But on the other hand, the world has never experienced so many ailments and health problems faced by us humans. We asked various health experts to share what are the biggest health problems today. Also, since prevention is better than cure, what are the signs that people shouldn’t ignore thereby seeking professional intervention before the situation gets out of hand...
LUKE COUTINHO, Integrative and Lifestyle Medicine — Holistic Nutrition
The biggest and the most common health issues are chronic acidity, chronic constipation and compromised immunity. These run in almost 80 per cent of my patients. Unfortunately, these are also some of the most ignored health issues. Most of us learn to live with acidity, constipation and recurring fevers and colds because of quick fixes like antacids, laxatives and antibiotics. Another health issue amongst majority of my patients, especially women, is poor emotional health. Chronic stress, negative emotions and internalisation of feelings has a huge impact on our health and body.
Our body is constantly giving us biofeedback that we must not ignore or suppress. Each of us have a set point, which is a limit to which a body can bear these symptoms. Once the body crosses that set point, that’s where our immunity crashes and health issues begin. Some of the signs one should watch out for are: Chronic constipation or chronic diarrhoea, acidosis or acid reflux, recurrent urinary tract infections, recurrent fevers and colds that take a long time to recover, constant bloating, low energy levels, Inflamed and painful joints and rapid weight loss or gain.
DR RAMEN GOEL, Senior Bariatric and Metabolic Surgeon & Director, Center of Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery, Wockhardt Hospitals
In our practice, lifestyle problems like obesity and diabetes are a major concern. Almost 20 per cent patients consulting have diabetes and related consequences. Obesity is a disease and any person unable to maintain/ lose weight should be consulting a doctor. Of course, healthy living is essential to avoid weight gain and treatment is reserved for those not able to lose with lifestyle changes. Treatment options could be endoscopic or surgical like bariatric surgery.
DR MITEN SHETH, Orthopaedic Knee Surgeon, The Knee Clinic
Obesity is the biggest health problem in society today. Weight accentuated degenerative joint disease of the knees is very prevalent. One must keep a check on individual Body Mass Index (BMI) and if you cross 30kg/m2, consider visiting a doctor! If you are heavy and you have knee pain, you must get standing x-rays of your knees done before you visit an orthopaedic surgeon. These help to assess the degree of degeneration your knees may have undergone.
DR PRADEEP GADGE, Diabetologist, Gadge Diabetes Centre
I think the most common problem that patients face is the complications that arise due to lack of awareness and delayed screening. I meet so many patients, a majority chunk of who have been suffering from diabetic retinopathy or diabetic neuropathy for years and are completely unaware about their condition. The most common symptom of diabetes is “no symptom.” Hence, relying only on signs and symptoms may be dangerous. It’s advisable to have your random blood sugar tested using a glucometer at home.
DR PRATIK SONI, Cardiologist, Wockhardt Hospital
The biggest health issues people are facing today are heart problems in young age, heart attacks among physically-fit people, diabetes in people as young as 30 and high cholesterol due to junk food. People must visit a doctor and tests will be advised accordingly. Do not treat yourself. Also, pollution leading to heart and lung problems along with sedentary lifestyle leading to diabetes and blood pressure.
SAILENDRA S RAANE, Director — Fitness Division at RESET — Holistic Living Concepts
Being overweight and underweight are the two major health issues that people still continue to face. Being obese mounts your probabilities of falling prey to type 2 diabetes, hypertension problems, coronary heart ailments, osteoarthritis, stroke, gallbladder disease, sleep apnoea, breathing difficulties and can also contribute to grave health maladies like breast, endometrial, prostate and colon cancers. Similarly, being skinny and malnourished can take you a step closer to developing vitamin deficiencies, anaemia and can lead to a decreased immune system.
DR VIKRANT SHAH, Internal Medicine Expert, Zen Multispeciality Hospital
Diabetes Mellitus (DM), Hypertension (HT) and dyslipidaemia (abnormal amount of lipids in the blood) are related to lifestyle illnesses. DM and HT are silent killers that affect your small vessels and can cause chronic irreversible complications. This leads to major vessel compromise and eventually can be fatal. Watch for increased urination, thirst and appetite along with recurring fungal infections for DM. With on and off headaches, heavy headedness check for HT.
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